Work is needed on the dam due to damage from the heavy rains of October.

"If the dam was to fall, it would wash out the entrance road to the nature center and result in the loss of a pond that is part of the center's program," said State Rep.
John Frey
, R-Ridgefield and assistant minority leader. "Today's funding will not only protect the local environment but also helps ensure that this facility, which is a great educational resource for school children, is not adversely impacted."

Work on the dam is expected to be done in early 2006. Funds awarded Friday will also fund a statewide survey of the conditions of 240 state-owned dams.